The British empire may have ceased to exit, but its echo lingers on in Shimla (2205m). As the Summer Capital of the British in India, Shimla was the country's focus for the better part of every year and now, is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. Today, it has well developed facilities, easy accessibility and numerous attractions making it one of India's most popular hill resort. Situated in the lower ranges of the Himalayan mountains, it is surrounded by pine deodar, oak and rhododendron forests. Towards the north lie the snow-covered high-ranges, while the valleys breathe whispering streams and swaying fields. Within the town are host of splendid colonial edifices, quaint cottages and charming walks. Shimla offers a variety of shopping, sport and entertainment activities

ACCESS The airport is at Jubbar-Hatti, 23 km away. Shimla is connected to Kalka by an enenchanting narrow gauge railway line where even a quaint rail car ply. By road, Chandigarh is 117 km, Manali is 280 km, Chail is 45 km and Delhi is at a distance of 370 km. From Delhi, Manali and Chandigarh, luxury coaches and taxis ply to Shimla. During tourist season HPTDC also operates regular deluxe buses from Delhi and Manali to Shimla.

CLIMATE In winter, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woolens are required. Summer temperature are mild and light woolens/cottons are recommended.

PLACES OF INTEREST

THE RIDGE: This large open space in the heart of town presents excellent views of the mountain ranges. Shimla's landmarks - the neo- gothic structure of Christ Church and the neo - Tudor library building - are worth seeing.

LAKKAR BAZAR: Popular for its wood crafts and Souvenirs, this is just off the Ridge.

JAKHOO HILL (2.5 km): At 2455m, this is the town's highest peak and a famous point for Shimla's famous views. The summit is crowned with a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The hill is full of paths and narrow roads which are enjoyable walks.

ST. MICHAEL'S CATHEDRAL: This dressed-stone church with fine stained glass has a cruciform design. It is located just off the Mall, below the District Courts.

STATE MUSEUM (3km): This houses a representative collection of Himachal's rich heritage. Exhibits include archaeological artifacts, carvings, paintings and sculptures. Closed on Monday and holidays.

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED STUDY (4 km): At 1983m, this magnificent English renaissance structure was the former Viceregal Lodge. Its lawns and woodland are added attractions. Entry by ticket ( nominal charge ). A portion of the interior is also open to the public, except on Sundays and holidays.

THE GLEN (4 km ): At 1830m, It is a thickly wooded ravine through which a stream flows. It is a popular picnic spot.

ANNANDALE (4.5 km): Surrounded by a thick deodar forest, this large glade has an ancient temple on the edge.

PROSPECT HILL AND KAMNA DEVI ( 6 km): At 2125m and crowned by a temple dedicated to Kamna Devi, the Hill offers spectacular wide views of the city and its environs.

MASHOBRA (12 km): At 2149m, this beautiful suburb is surrounded by thick forests. From here, a track leads down to Sipur which is an exquisite glade shaded by ancient deodar trees. There are old temples a fair is held every April.

KUFRI (16 km): At 2501m, this is famous for its wide views and ski slopes. An enjoyable walk leads up to the Mahasu Peak. At Kufri, Himachal Tourism runs Cafe Lalit.

Himachal Tourism flagship hotel, The Holiday Home offers comprehensive facilities in a convenient location. Its imposing building faces the heart of town and all major places are within easy distance. Whether you are in Shimla for business or pleasure or a bit of both - The Holiday Home's business is your pleasure.

The Peterhof housed at least seven Viceroys and Governor Generals during the Raj. The first Viceroy to move into Peterhoff was the Earl of Elgin who arrived in Shimla on 4th April 1863. After independence the building served as Punjab High Court and it was here that the trial of Nathu Ram Godsey, who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi, took place in 1948-49. When Himachal became full fledged state the building became the Raj Bhawan, Unfortunately it burnt down in 1981 but it was restructured in 1991 and designed to match the hill architecture palatial pattern and now is a heritage luxury hotel.
The historical Peterhof complex is located in the heart of city 'Chaura Maidan' offering panoramic view of Choorchandani on the front side, Dhauladhar ranges on western side and Kinner Kailash on the eastern side. It is also strategically situated with the State Museum on one side and famous Viceroy Legal Lodge on the other side, now housing the Institute of Advance Studies.

All rooms have wall to wall carpeting. Rooms are airy, spacious, well furnished with attached baths and running hot & cold water

Rooms have wall to wall carpeting and are airy, spacious, well furnished having attached baths with running hot & cold water

Satellite Television

Bar and Restaurant

Room service and Laundry facility available

Drive in, Parking within premises

MasterCard / Visa Credit Cards accepted

FAGU

Fagu is a tiny village aside a saddle-like mountain along Hindustan Tibet Road. A rare range of views is visible from here, which include vivid dales and snow clad peaks. The picturesque countryside is dotted with clusters of villages, fruit gardens and nearby terraced fields. Fog characterizes the hillside landscape endowed with romantic ambience. Most of the area is covered with conifers of Himalayan cedar and spruce. Located at an altitude of 2,450 m, Fagu, perhaps have derived its name from the fog itself.

ACCESS : The closest airport is at Jubbar-Hatti, 45 km away. The nearest narrow gauge railhead is at Shimla, 22 km away. By road Chandigarh is 139 km and Delhi is at a distance of 392 km.

CLIMATE : In winter, the temperature can drop to below freezing point when heavy woolens are required and in summers light woolens / cottons are recommended.

PLACES OF INTEREST

KUFRI (4 km): (2510 m) Famous for its ski slopes also have enjoyable walks leading up to Mahasu Peak in proxomity. A Nature Park and Mini Zoo are other places worth visiting. Hill ponies and Yaks are available for a joy ride. HiPTDC here runs Cafe Lalit.

SHIMLA (22 km): (2205 m) Once a summer seat of Britesher, Shimla is now the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. It has the rarest of the rare heritage buildings and monuments of the bygone area. Worth seeing places are - The legendary Mall Road, The Ridge, The Christ Church, Kali Bari Temple, Jakhu Hanuman Temple, Sankat Mochan, State Museum, Institute of Advanced Studies.

CHAIL (27 km): (2226 m) provides many bounties of nature. Once the summer capital of Maharaja of Patiala, the Kingly Palace decorated with some historical objects as well, is now owned as a Heritage building by HPTDC. Also famous for the world's highest Cricket Ground, Wildlife Sactuary and Sidh Baba ka Mandir.

NARKANDA (42 km): (2708 m) On the Hindustan Tibet road, Narkanda offers a spectacular view of higher snow ranges. An uphill trek (8 km) through deodar woods leads beholder to Hatu Peak famous for ancient Hatu Mata Temple (3475 m) which is now connected with a motorable road. During winter, under the aegis of HPTDC, skiing is also conducted here. Kotgarh and Thanedhar, Himachal's Apple heartland famous for delicious apples are located in vicinity. HPTDC runs Hotel Hatu at Narkanda.

THE APPLE BLOSSOM

The hotel has been rebuilt and converted into a modern and commodious Deluxe Hotel. It provides a rare opportunity to enjoys nature's serenity and magnificence. The hotel presents a rare and kaleidoscopic view of the landscapes dipped in mysterious mist all around. The suites at the hotel offer a great view of Sun Rise as well as the Sun Set

Located at distance of 22 km from Shimla, Naldehra (2044 m) is a heaven for tourists. It boasts of the oldest 9 hole golf course in the country. The well groomed Golf Course is a lovely verdant, perhaps one of the finest and sporty in India. Crowned with a springing turf the Golf Course was suggested by Lord Curzon. He was so enchanted by the place that he gave his daughter Alexendra, "Naldehra" as her second name. It is the venue of many competitions. The Nag temple is also situated here and Naldehra derives its name from it.

ACCESS : The closest airport is at Jubbar-Hatti, 45 km away. The nearest narrow gauge railhead is at Shimla, 23 km away. By road Chandigarh is 139 km, Manali is 282 km and Delhi is at a distance of 392 km.

CLIMATE : In winter, the temperature can drop to below freezing point when heavy woolens are required and in summers light woolens / cottons are recommended.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Golf Course Naldehra is famous for world famous Golf Course.

TATTAPANI At 656m, there are hot sulphur springs believed to have medicinal value.

THE GOLF GLADE

Perched on the edge of the Golf Course at Naldehra, Hotel Golf Glade is an ideal retreat from Shimla. There are interesting picnic spots nearby.

Hillsides covered with thick forests, acres filled with apple orchards, small picturesque hamlets and remarkable views in all directions combine to make Chindi (1825 m) and the area around it, one of the most beautiful places in Himachal Pradesh. The area is still off the beaten track and yet, has good facilities in terms of roads, small markets and accomodation. Chindi is an excellent off-beat destination that holds the charms that Himachal is just famous for.

CLIMATE : In winter, the temperature can drop to below freezing point when heavy woolens are required and in summers, light woolens / cottons are recommended.

PLACES OF INTEREST

The wide Karsog Valley lies below Chindi and has good excursion spots. Apple orchards add thir attraction to the area and Chindi is surrounded by them.

The area has several temples that display a high level of traditional craftmanship. Some of the important temples are - Mamleshwara Mahadev, Kamakshya Mata, Mahunag, Ardhnarishwara, Aledi Mahadev, Palinag at Nalagali, the sacred Bhima Rock, Churag temple, Nag Dhamooni at Sairi Bangla, temple at Chatri and the temple of Nag Dhamooni at Saranda.

The hike to Shikari Devi (3359 m) is possible from Chindi. The views from Kunhoo Dhar (23 Km) are spectacular.

THE MAMLESHWAR

The recently built Hotel Mamleshwar has superb views and is perfectly sited for exploring the area. The hotel has an excellent location near woods and orchards and is ideal for leisure and offbeat sightseeing. The hotel is a good stopover towards Kullu-Manali or towards Kinnaur via Baina Khud from Shimla on this alternative route.

ACCESS : By road, the hotel is 41 km from Shimla. Regular buses / Taxis are available from Shimla. The Airport is at Jubbar-Hatti (Shimla) 57 km and the nearest narrow gauge railway head is at Shimla 41 km away.

CLIMATE : In winter, the temperature can drop near to freezing point when moderate woolens are required and in summers, light woolens / cottons are recommended.

PLACES OF INTEREST

DARLAGHAT (1800 m): Just 2 km far from the hotel, the place is famous for pollution free Gujrat Ambuja Cement Factory.

DURGAGHAT (1790 m): On Shimla - Manali State highway. Famous for Durga Temple on the top of the hill.

ARKI (17 km): Once the capital of the princely State of Baghal, Arki witnessed a good measure of turbulence in this area. Arki became the stronghold of an encoding force of Gurkhas, furring the Gorkha wars that came to an end in 1815-16. About 1850, Raja Kishan Chand had the fort decorated with fine murals executed in the Pahari style. Here is a place with history and adorned with fine art. A temple of Lutroo Mahadev dedicated to Lord Shiva is also worth seeing (7 km on foot).

HARSINGH TIBBA: This peak is situated about 20 km, north east, at an altitude of 2445m. One can travel by taxi or buses upto village Chanawog (1834m) and a further 4 km climb upto the peak. On the top is an ancient temple of Dev Harsingh. The peak also offers spectacular wide view of Satluj valley and the river including Shimla Hills.

BARIDHAR (22 km): At an altitude of 2140m this is a beautiful place for trekking and sight seeing. Annual fair called "Bari Jatra" is celebrated on 14th June every year. This day, palanquins of five Pandavas from nearby village being worshipped as local Gods, assemble and meet on the hill. There are also two temples dedicated to Pandavas and Budhi Mata.

SHOPPING: There is an enormous range of goods that Shimla offers. This includes handicrafts, wood and metalwork, shawls, pullovers, local tweeds, caps, Tibetan carpets, pickles, jams and squashes. Himachal Pradesh Govt. operates an Emporium at The Mall, Shimla where all these products are available for sale.

THE BHAGAL

Named after the former Princely state of Baghal, the hotel is situated at Darlaghat (1826m) on the National Highway ( NH-88 ).